Stretch marks are a common problem that can occur for various reasons, such as pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and even puberty.
While they are not dangerous, stretch marks can be unsightly and make you self-conscious about your appearance.
If you’re looking to get rid of your stretch marks, there are several ways you can use them, but not all are equally effective.
Some home remedies, such as cocoa butter and vitamin E, may help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, they are not likely to eliminate them.
This guide will teach effective ways to treat and get rid of your stretch marks. These include laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.
For a more effective treatment, we recommend you check some options from your dermatologist.
Before we get started, let’s first understand who gets stretch marks.
Who Gets Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks will affect anyone who experiences sudden growth or weight gain.
While anyone can get stretch marks, they are most often seen in pregnant women and young people.
It’s estimated that more than 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester.
The skin stretches quickly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers to break.
Adolescents can also develop stretch marks, especially if they go through a rapid growth spurt during puberty.
People with certain medical conditions are also more likely to get stretch marks.
Cushing’s disease, for example, is a condition that causes the body to produce too much of the hormone cortisol. This can lead to rapid weight gain and stretch marks.
Marfan syndrome is another condition that can lead to stretch marks. This genetic disorder can cause the body’s connective tissue to be weaker than normal.
Stretch marks can also be seen in people with certain eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
These disorders can cause sudden weight loss, which can lead to the formation of stretch marks.
Other risk factors for developing stretch marks include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Sudden weight loss
- Hormonal changes during puberty
- Hormonal changes during menopause
- Taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids
- Having a family history of stretch marks
Learn More: Stretch Marks and Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know
Types of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can be classified based on their appearance and location on the body. There are three main types of stretch marks.
- Atrophic: These are the most common type of stretch marks. They appear as shallow depressions in the skin and are usually red or purple when they first develop. Over time, they will fade to a white or silver color.
- Striae distensae: These are the second most common type of stretch mark. They appear as raised, red, or purple lines on the skin. Over time, they will fade to a white or silver color.
- Striae gravidarum: These are the least common type of stretch marks. They appear during pregnancy and are similar to striae distensae but are more likely to occur on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and thighs.
Natural Remedies To Get Rid of Stretch Marks
People can try several home remedies to help fade their stretch marks. Some of the most popular home remedies include:
- Cocoa butter: Cocoa butter is a popular home remedy for stretch marks. It is thought to moisturize the skin, which may help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is another popular home remedy for stretch marks. It is thought to moisturize the skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a plant often used to treat skin conditions. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Lavender oil: Lavender oil is an essential oil that is thought to have healing properties. It is often used to treat skin conditions and is believed to be effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
- Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil is extracted from the fruit of the rosehip plant. It is thought to be effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Medical Treatments for Stretch Marks
Several medical treatments can help to fade stretch marks. However, these treatments are usually only effective if the stretch marks are new.
Some of the most common medical treatments for stretch marks include:
- Laser therapy: is a treatment that uses a laser to improve the appearance of stretch marks. It is thought to stimulate the production of collagen, which can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Microneedling: uses a device to create tiny punctures in the skin. This is thought to stimulate the production of collagen, which can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Radiofrequency: uses radio waves to improve the appearance of stretch marks. It is thought to stimulate the production of collagen, which can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Microdermabrasion: uses a device to remove the top layer of skin. This can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
- Retinoids: are a type of medication that is derived from vitamin A. They are thought to be effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
- Chemical Peel: A Chemical Peel is a treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin. This can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Stretch Mark Removal Creams
There are many different types of stretch mark removal creams on the market.
Some are designed to be used during pregnancy, while others are meant for use after pregnancy. Some creams are even made specifically for men.
The best stretch mark removal cream is one that contains ingredients that are known to help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
These ingredients include retinoids, glycolic acid, and vitamin C.
Retinoids are a class of nutrients that are related to vitamin A. They are known to improve the thickness and elasticity of the skin.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to repair damaged skin cells.
When choosing a stretch mark removal cream, it is essential to read the label carefully.
Some creams may contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. It is also crucial to choose a cream that is designed for your specific skin type.
Some of the most popular stretch mark removal creams include:
- Skinception® Intensive Stretch Mark Therapy: This cream is marketed as being effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It contains several ingredients, including retinol, vitamin E, and shea butter.
- TriLASTIN-SR: This cream is marketed as being effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It contains several ingredients, including retinol, vitamin E, and shea butter.
- Mederma: This cream is marketed as being effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It contains several ingredients, including onion extract, allantoin, and panthenol.
Here is a list of the Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy and their pros and cons.
Prevention of Stretch Marks
The best remedy for stretch marks is prevention.
Stretch marks can be prevented by keeping skin well-moisturized and using products that contain cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E.
To prevent stretch marks, you should keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.
You can do this by drinking plenty of water and using good quality moisturizers that contain cocoa butter, shear butter, or vitamin E. It is also important to avoid rapid weight gain or loss.
Some of the most effective prevention methods include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop stretch marks. Maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help improve the skin’s elasticity. This can help to reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise can help to improve the elasticity of the skin. This can help to reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.
- Avoiding sudden weight gain: Sudden weight gain can cause the skin to stretch quickly. This can lead to the formation of stretch marks. Avoiding sudden weight gain can help to reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing: Wearing tight-fitting clothing can cause the skin to stretch. This can lead to the formation of stretch marks. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help to reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.
When To See a Doctor
Stretch marks are usually harmless and do not require treatment. However, some people may feel self-conscious about their appearance.
If stretch marks are causing you distress, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist for advice.
They will be able to recommend treatment options that can help to improve the appearance of your stretch marks.
Conclusion.
Stretch marks are a common problem that can affect anyone. While they are most often seen in pregnant women and young people, they can also be seen in people with certain medical conditions.
There are several home remedies and medical treatments that can help to fade stretch marks.
With so many options available, knowing which method is right for you is difficult.
However, by speaking with a dermatologist or other medical professional, you can get rid of your stretch marks and finally achieve the flawless skin you’ve always wanted.
Learn: How To Get Rid of Stretch Marks on the Neck, Stomach, or Thighs.
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- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Stretch marks. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/symptoms-causes/syc-20351139
- National Institute of Health. (2018). Stretch Marks. niams.nih.gov/health-topics/stretch-marks
- The Stretch Mark Institute. (2018). How to get rid of stretch marks. stretchmarks.org/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks
- Dermal Institute. (2018). How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks. dermalinstitute.com/uk/blog/2017/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/
- Stretch Marks. (2018). healthline.com/health/stretch-marks